Tzvetan Todorov is Director of Research at the CNRS in Paris.

This illuminating analysis by one of the world's leading intellectuals addresses fundamental questions about the new world disorder exemplified by the war on terrorism, the Iraq conflict and its aftermath and the current state of transatlantic relations.

In eight concise chapters, Todorov discusses the use of force versus diplomacy, the emergence of new powers and the reactions of different players such as the UK, France, Poland and the United Nations, to the imperialist turn in US foreign policy. He argues that a new Europe is capable of reducing its dependence on the United States and assuming more responsibilities in the area of foreign affairs, would be the most effective way of counter-balancing America's current dominance of global politics. Drawing on his vast knowledge of history and philosophy, Todorov has written an insightful and timely book that, without simplyfying the issues, is accessible to all.